The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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